7 REPS

34.5 INCH

122.0 INCH

6.65 SEC

4.33 SEC

Overview

Wilson’s production during his time in Pullman was among the best in the West over the past couple of seasons, but his career will be defined by how it ended. Despite leading the team in receptions (52) and receiving yards (813) with five touchdowns in nine games, he was indefinitely suspended by the program for the ubiquitous “violation of team rules," reportedly after walking out of a physical conditioning session. His comments about the situation were not flattering towards the Cougars’ new head coach, Mike Leach; Wilson accused Leach and the coaching staff of belittling, intimidating, and humiliating players throughout the season. Now NFL teams must sort out whether these actions reflect poorly on Leach’s staff or Wilson’s maturity.

Wilson was a football and track star in Tulare, Calif., earning accolades at receiver (1,083 yards and 22 touchdowns on 50 catches as a senior) and defensive back on the gridiron while winning conference championships in the high, long and triple jumps. He took on a major role during his true freshman year in the Palouse, playing in all 12 games, starting eight and leading the team with 1,006 receiving yards (55 catches, six TD) on his way to honorable mention All-Pac-10 notice and Freshman All-American honors from multiple outlets. Wilson was even more production as a sophomore, earning second-team all-conference honors and the Cougars’ Offensive Most Valuable Player award by starting all 12 games and setting WSU single-season records with 83 grabs for 1,388 yards (he led the Pac-12 in yards per game), along with scoring 12 times during the season.

Analysis

Strengths

Tall strider presenting a difficult ask down the sideline for shorter defensive backs. If able to escape the jam or come off the line untouched, he covers a lot of ground in a hurry. His height and vertical jump makes him a nightmare on jump balls anywhere on the field, and he can contort his body to adjust to passes in the air. Makes catches over either shoulder down the sideline and can stay in-bounds. Drops his hips, has quick enough feet and a solid head-fake to separate at the top of the route, as well as to pull off double-moves downfield and to the sideline. Tries to run through tackles by lowering his pads and churning his feet after the catch and has a bit of open-field elusiveness, though he will run backwards and dance too much instead of taking what he can get. Will find a soft spot in the zone if his quarterback is on the run. Flashes an effective use of his length, and a bit of attitude, to take smaller defenders out in the run game.

Weaknesses

Lanky receiver, especially thin in the lower body. Will struggle with the physicality of NFL defenders off the line, when trying to get into his route, and downfield in 50/50 situations. Does not consistently use his hands to win or hold onto the ball when being hit or even feeling the hit coming. Hands reliably is severely lacking, misses on all difficulty of catches due to a lack of concentration. Doesn’t adjust to low passes as well as he does high ones. Lateral quickness against press is only average, takes time to accelerate into his route if challenged at all. Lacks technique as a blocker, when he makes the effort to reach his target, tries to overwhelm corners but fails to move his feet or maintain the angle to prevent them from entering the play.

NFL Comparison

Jon Baldwin

Bottom Line

Wilson’s exit from Washington State was not exactly ideal, as he was suspended for violating team rules and then ripped Mike Leach and his coaching staff on his way out the door. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound receiver certainly flashed playmaking ability during his two-plus seasons in Pullman, especially in a second-team all-conference sophomore year (83-1,388, 12 touchdowns) where he flashes downfield playmaking ability using his height and excellent leaping ability. If teams believe he can improve the consistency of his hands and mature physically and mentally at the next level, he could be picked in the middle rounds and contribute immedately, similarly to how Mike Williams did for Tampa Bay in 2010.